What a year we’ve had. In 2005, brand new museums, bold designs, and big retail announcements rocked the Twin Cities. Our restaurant scene got hot while cigarettes were snuffed out in the Cities’ dining rooms. High-profile celebs came to town and high-end cars hit our roads. Urban lofts went up at warp speed while old neighborhoods were restored. To celebrate change, we’ve awarded “Bests” to new places that add luster to our landscape, and we’ve also given a nod to a few old favorites that make us proud of our past. We’ve catalogued the best of the best, offering more than 100 reasons why it’s great to be here now.
DIY Pinup
She’s no domestic diva. Minneapolis native Genevieve Gorder is more like a DIY tour de force. FYI: The graphic designer was plucked from Twin Citian Joe Duffy’s NYC design office six years ago for The Learning Channel’s new concept show Trading Spaces. Gorder easily stood out as one of the more engaging stars of the show for her style, energy, and real-life loveable quirks—she likes to work in her bare feet. Gorder, thirty-one, credits her success to creativity and good genes. “I come from a DIY family,” she says. “My mother, grandmother, and I would restore houses and sell them.” This past year, she branched out with a show of her own, Town Haul, where she works to restore and revitalize a community. “It’s more empowering than one family and one house,” she says. Currently, she’s working on the next Town Haul—planning alone takes three to four months, plus Gorder moves to the town for a month—and is midproduction on perhaps the final season of TS. (Execs brought back the original designers in a move that could lead to an extended run.) Though ‘05 has been good to Gorder, it looks like in ‘06 she’ll really be, well, haulin’. She has plans for a new line of “solution-based” products—“I’ve spent six years in people’s homes, and I know what’s missing”—a book on design-based solutions for living, and her wedding in August. Plus, she’s squeezing in design time for her own homes—one in Manhattan, the other in Upstate New York. “Yeah, it’s all pretty overwhelming.” [top]
Token Female Standup
In the decidedly seventh-grade-boy’s-locker-room world of standup comedy, oftentimes all it takes for a girl to achieve novelty-act status is a cute face and a willingness to say something dirty. Local comedian Mary Mack has the rosy cheeks and teeny voice of a true Midwestern innocent, but as a former elementary school band teacher, she refuses to trade on the shock value of a cursed punch line. Instead, she rings laughs (at Acme, Grumpy’s, elsewhere, and on the road) out of a squeaky-clean shtick that includes Frances McDormandized vowels, sweet covers of hair metal tunes plinked out on her mandolin, and the worst Darth Vader impression you’ll ever witness. [top]
Local Blog
Web designer Rex Sorgatz’s blog, mnspeak.com, didn’t get Dan Rather fired (though it did earn Garrison Keillor’s ire when it sold those “Prairie Ho’ Companion” T-shirts). It’s just done what any great media does: become a daily routine. Serving as a local media curator and referee, it is both idiosyncratic, with daily links to Sorgatz’s must reads (for better or for worse), and all-encompassing: Click on Aggregator to find more than 200 locally based blogs sorted chronologically, alphabetically, by subject, and, most ingeniously, by a personal set of criteria. [top]
Downtown Announcement
Urbanites said “amen” when they heard that not one, not two, but three grocery stores would hit downtown Minneapolis in 2006, finally filling the food void. This spring, Lunds announced that stores were slated for Loring Park and across the river on Central Avenue, while Whole Foods has scouted out the corner of Hennepin and Washington Avenues. Now, ‘bout those stadiums . . . [top]
Local Radio Programming
Where else can you hear The Arcade Fire followed by “John Henry”? Don’t even front with “my iPod.” Yes, music director Thorn does undermine what could be more genuine eclecticism with his penchant for mopey white boys, but The Current (89.3-FM) really does sound like more than just another alt radio station. But now that you’ve sugared the pill, MPR, how about some interesting cultural programming? [
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Place to Bump Elbows with the Famous
Twin Cities celebs are less cloistered than, say, LA’s, so sightings are possible with proper planning. Just keep your distance, and, remember, no body-part autographs. [top]
| Who | Where |
| U of M Prez Bob Bruininks | Weekly at Pad Thai (1681 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-690-1393) |
| Columnist Sid Hartman | Lunch at Murray’s (26 S. 6th St. S., Mpls., 612-339-0909); dinner at Vescio’s (406 14th Ave. SE, Dinkytown, 612-378-1747) |
| Jayhawk Frontman Gary Louris | Biking at Bryn Mawr Meadows Park |
| Supreme Court Justice Alan Page | Running around Lake of the Isles each morning |
| Minnesota Orchestra Director Osmo Vänskä | After orchestra nights, at Vincent (1100 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-630-1189) |
| Supermodel Emeritus Cheryl Tiegs | With Dan Buettner at Coffee News Cafe (1662 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-3324) |
| Heartthrob Josh Hartnett | Spotted at Liquor Lyles (2021 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-870-8183), but frequents Bryant-Lake Bowl (810 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-825-3737) with current sweetheart Scarlett Johansson |
| MVP Kevin Garnett | Seen at Fahrenheit Night Club, but only in the VIP lounge, of course (322 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-673-9694) |
Corporate Sponsorship
August 22, The New Yorker was sponsored by a single advertiser for the first time in its eighty-year history when Target bought every ad space, filling them with the stylings of twenty international illustrators. Running the gamut from urbane to whimsical, each work incorporated the Target logo. The issue is a prestigious coup for local ad shop Peterson Milla Hooks, the bull’s-eye’s agency of record. [top]
Fete of the Year
Over-the-top costumelike attire, wall-to-wall humanity, and a stunning space immemorially marked Walker Art Center’s opening party, which drew all types, from A-list celebs, including, curiously, Bjork and Leonard Nimoy, to the plain-old curious. Bet you wish you’d gone. 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600 [top]
Unchanged Institutions
In our fast-changing metro, a few places have managed to preserve the look and feel of yesterday. In the case of these venerable icons frozen in time, we say that’s all for the best.
Since 1940, the Bell Museum of Natural History has remained one of the University of Minnesota’s loveliest buildings—a boreal hideaway filled with moose, bear, and other wild things looking beatifically serene in their ageless Francis Lee Jaques dioramas. 10 SE Church St., Mpls., 612-624-7083
The 1919 landmark Hamm Building, with its terra cotta façade and marbled interior, gives you a sense of what St. Paul was all about in its empire-building days. 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul
You expect to see Cedric Adams—the late columnist, not the namesake sandwich—sitting among the blue-suited power brokers and white-gloved ladies of 1950s St. Paul inside The Lexington. Reminiscent of Murray’s in Minneapolis, but with a slightly younger wait staff. 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-5878
Aside from the flat-screen TVs and neon come-ons for Corona and Killian’s Red (alas, not Hamm’s and Grain Belt), Matt’s Bar stubbornly remains the funky neighborhood joint of your misspent youth, right down to the Naugahyde booths and linoleum floor—only now the legendary Jucy Lucy costs $4.50. 3500 Cedar Ave., Mpls., 612-722-7072
The reek of the doctors’ and dentists’ offices in the Medical Arts Building still terrifies us, but we love the brass-and-marble grandeur of its main floor. Check it out the next time you’re at Zelo. 825 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. [top]
Use of Prisons and Puppets
When Ten Thousand Things Theater Company took its mix of DIY and high art to prisons, recovery centers, and homeless shelters last winter with puppeteer Theodora Skipitares’s adaptation of Iphigenia, it proved that the magic of theater can happen anywhere and anytime. Check online for upcoming performances (often held at Open Book or the Minnesota Opera Center). [top]
Gentleman’s Shave
An old-time gentleman’s shave requires a master barber, a half-hour of your morning, and the willingness to bare your Adam’s apple to a stranger’s razor. Of the shrinking number of local establishments still offering the service, our pick, appropriately ensconced in the Foshay Tower, is simply called Foshay Barber Shop. There, Barber Don, who’s been shaving gents for more than fifty-one years, removes your stubble with hot towels, warm lather, and a steady stroke. The result is an incomparably close shave-and a change-of-pace experience that makes a guy nostalgic for the Eisenhower administration. W-F; $18. 821 Marquette Ave., Mpls., 612-338-1244 [top]
Faux Glow
Good enough for Lindsay Lohan? Good enough for us. While here, the diva who’s always sporting a beachy glow visited Planet Beach for a quick shower of self-tanner. At PB, each client (and occasional celeb) views the same instructional video, ensuring a perfectly even and healthy tan, not a nightmare incident resulting in pumpkin-colored skin. 1221 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-823-3377 [top]
Greenest Cleaner
The eco-friendly GreenEarth Cleaning system is what brings us to Prestige Cleaning Center, but it’s the standout customer service that keeps us coming back. This mom-and-pop operation pays special attention to each garment and offers tips on how to best care for it—even if it means suggesting not to dry clean it. Everything is cared for on-site, so there’s no worry about items getting lost. 3711 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-929-2010 [top]
Help for Heels and Handbags
Take a hint from the pros. High-end shoe and handbag retailers Neiman Marcus and Pumpz & Co. go to Skyway Shoe Repair for everything from broken purse straps to boot resoling. Now you’ll never have to toss out your favorite accessory. 801 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-1467 [top]
Fringe Fait Accompli
She said she wouldn’t be back, and then she changed her mind. This past August, under the direction of Leah Cooper, the nation’s largest fringe festival sold a record number of tickets, stayed in the black, and had more sold-out shows than ever before. What would the Minnesota Fringe do without her? [top]
Musical Three-Pack
A testament to our local depth of talent, three top TC flutists produced CDs this year.
• Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra principal flutist Julia Bogorad-Kogan and renowned pianist Margo Garrett released Flute Music of the Paris Conservatory, a worthy tribute to a defining era in the instrument’s history by one of its best interpreters.
• Minnesota Opera flutist Amy Morris and expert collaborative pianist Susan Garrelts offer Theme and Variations, an elegant and technically brilliant album that includes a commission from Scottish composer Edward McGuire.
• O Bell’ Alma: Music from the Opera, featuring Minnesota Opera principal flutist Michele Frisch and Minnesota Orchestra principal harpist Kathy Kienzle, includes a haunting concert paraphrase of Donizetti’s bel canto opera Lucia di Lammermoor and a reverie based on a waltz from La Bohème. Available at Orchestra Hall, Mpls., 612-371-5600; The Schubert Club, St. Paul, 651-292-3267 [top]
Cheap Date
Chase away a case of the Monday blues with your honey at Bryant-Lake Bowl. For $25, gaze lovingly over dinner for two (the menu changes weekly and includes vegetarian dishes) and a bottle of wine, followed by a round of bowling and some friendly competition. 810 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-825-3737 [top]
New Museum
The newest gem to ornament our sparkling crown of arts institutions is The Museum of Russian Art. Though founded in 2002, in May the museum moved into new digs in the renovated Mayflower Church, a breathtaking showcase for the large private collection of Soviet realist art. 5500 Stevens Ave. S., Mpls., 612-821-9045 [top]
Dance Production
We agree with the 2005 People’s Choice Award voters: Ananya Dance Theatre’s Bandh is the best dance production. Fortunately, the public vote corrected the dance community’s Sage Awards oversight. Look for artistic director Ananya Chatterjea’s invaluable contributions to Twin Cities culture and her sophisticated investigation of aesthetics and politics in 2006 and beyond. [top]
Place to Avoid A Judgmental Glare
Since the smoking ban, there’s been a fifty percent increase in self-righteous eye-rolling, nose-scrunching, and brow-knitting—even out on the sidewalk. For now, however, it’s still possible to drink, smoke, and listen to loud music, sans buzz-killing lung-nazis, at St. Paul's Turf Club on University Avenue, just a couple of minutes outsiide of intolerance. The décor has been undergoing changes since the new owners took over last April, but you’ll barely be able to tell through the haze. 1601 University Ave., St. Paul, 651-647-0486 [top]
Two Reasons to Stay Home
Our picks for this year’s most notable books by Twin Cities-based writers—Under a Wild Sky, William Souder’s 2005 Pulitzer-finalist biography of John James Audubon (the paperback edition was published in June) and The Painted Drum, Louise Erdrich’s latest Ojibwe novel-will keep you turning pages and turning down dates. Available at metro bookstores. [top]
Roadside Attraction
A magical oasis in the country, Franconia Sculpture Park is home to a rotating collection of more than seventy-five pieces of strange, whimsical, and imaginative artwork. Spend the day meeting the artists, taking a guided tour, and picnicking amid the sculptures. Open daily, from dawn to dusk. Two miles west of Taylors Falls on Hwy. 8, 651-465-3701 [top]
Kids’ Birthday Venue
Every TC kid craves a birthday party at Grand Rios indoor water park—and if yours doesn’t, after attending a friend’s, she/he will. The ultimate expression of the local water park experience, Grand Rios cojoins an all-seasons raucous swim night with a sleepover, pay-per-view, and room service—and creates an obsessive longing in the prebeer set only satisfied by an overnight, chlorinated bacchanal. 6900 Lakeland Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, 763-566-8855 [top]
Farm-Turned-into-Day-Trip
At Aamodt’s Apple Farm, both kids and adults are supremely happy well after the apples are picked. Kiddies stay busy with hayrides and the hay-bale maze, while weary parents unwind at the adjacent Saint Croix Vineyard. Homemade apple delights abound, with gooey caramel apples, cider floats, apple brats, pie, and more. Open mid-August through mid-November. 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater, 651-439-3127 [top]
Thrill on the Way
Valleyfair’s planning a new thrill ride for its thirtieth anniversary in 2006 that will take riders back to their playground days. The only difference? The Xtreme Swing pendulums 125 feet in the air at sixty miles per hour. 1 Valleyfair Dr., Shakopee, 800-386-7433 [top]
Girls’ Night Out
5 p.m.:
Spa Hour. For a truly beautiful happy hour, meet at Mell’s Beauty Bar, where $15 buys a signature martini and a simple manicure or massage. Plus, if you’re hungry, the gourmet pizzas are great to share. What a way to unwind.
606 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-16806 p.m.: Shopping Crawl. December 15, hop on the free neighborhood trolley in the North Loop and shop the night away. Warehouse District boutiques, businesses, and galleries stay open until 9 p.m., with special discounts, exhibits, refreshments, and more. “Third Thursdays” start again in September.
9 p.m.: Salsa and Tapas. Head down Washington to a little slice of Cuba at Babalú. After sharing spicy tapas at the table, things heat up even more with live music and mojitos in the bar, where salsa dancing kick-starts late-night. 800 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-746-3158 [top]
Guys’ Night Out
5 p.m.: Dinner at The Lex. The supper-club atmosphere at The Lexington, with classic comfort food such as the bone-in tenderloin and chicken pot pie, sets the perfect tone for a classy night out. It’s easy to get an early rez, and there’s time to make it downtown. 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-5878
7 p.m.: The Wild at the X. In an attempt to win back fans alienated by the strike, the NHL has tried to make hockey a higher scoring, more stylish game—but, hey, there are still those mullets, missing teeth, and Wild board-slamming body-checking. Good seats are still getable, plus downtown St. Paul is always a ticket-buyer’s market. 199 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, 989-5151
11 p.m.: Bocce at The Halftime Rec. Head back up the hill to Halftime Rec, a dilapidated—er, unpretentious, free-popcorn kind of place that feels more intimate than it really is. Pass up the pool tables and bring your pint downstairs: The basement is outfitted with two plain, dirt bocce ball lanes. 1013 Front Ave., St. Paul, 651-488-8245 [top]
Cocktails
TC drinkers are finally realizing that even that KGB hangover pill can’t save you from a martini made with Pucker. The cocktail scene has improved, with mixologists at Infinity and Five experimenting with fresh juices and top-shelf liquors and Champagne. But the most naturally colorful and tasty drinks are served at Lurçat, with its nouveau approach to classic recipes. 1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500 [top]
Intimate Concert Venue
Lucinda Williams called it the best rock club in the United States. Weezer’s scalped tickets went for $350. Whether it’s the star power or closing scare, since the rebirth of First Avenue, lineups and the atmosphere are off the charts. Who doesn’t feel like a rock insider bellied up to the Ave’s bar? 701 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-332-1775 [top]
Reason to Risk Tinnitus
Melodious Owl—vocalist/keyboardist Wes Statler, oozing Jagger and Bowie, with John Kuder on sax/keyboards and Joe Berns on guitar—makes frenetic, passionate music melding New Wave, electronica, and punk that commands both the brokenhearted and cooler-than-thou to dance. And even though these guys barely have their driver’s licenses, they know how to reach an adult crowd. They’ve been known to haunt venues like the Uptown Bar and the 7th Street Entry, so see ’em before they head to college. These Owls may be young, but they’re wise. [top]
Place to Be a Rock Star
Karaoke is so. . . flat. Luckily, there’s rocked-out Staraoke, with better-than-usual recorded tracks, complete with backup singers who help disguise off-key songbirds. Grumpy’s Bar & Grill boasts a bumpin’ sound system and a crowd that’s not the least bit timid belting ’em out. Name the song—it’s in the catalog. No one’s sounded more like an American Idol. Su, Tu, and Th. 1111 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-340-9738 [top]
Use of Beer
It doesn’t matter if you’re a hare or a tortoise in the Blubber Run unless you’re dressed like one. In this 5K held every September, racers are encouraged to wear costumes, bring along Fido or Fifi, and hydrate with the James Page beer (or Point Premium root beer) that’s offered along the Mississippi River course. [top]
Neighborhood Wine Shops
Sam Haislet left his first venture, Solo Vino, in the secure hands of his former partners to open up Sam’s Washington Avenue Wine Shop. The Warehouse District storefront shows off smaller vineyards and winemakers, offering 700-plus labels in all price ranges, and stocks secret pleasures, including Viña Sastre 2003 Ribera del Duero—killer at $17 a bottle—by one of Spain’s next great winemaking stars. 218 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-455-1045
The Little Wine Shoppe is barely six months old, under 350 square feet in size, and loaded with charm. Its eclectic mix includes nearly 300 labels (hard to find even at bigger wine retailers), 250 of which are priced under $20, 25 percent under $10. 2236 Carter Ave., St. Paul, 651-645-5178 [top]
New Reason to Be a Mom
Just because you’ve become a mom, doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel like a hot mom. Appreciating this, Megan Tamte and her husband Mike opened Hot Mama, which embraces and celebrates motherhood with moms’ lifestyles, schedules, and clothing demands in mind. The store has hip and stylish merchandise from top to bottom, including designer denim—but these jeans aren’t cut so low that your panties hang out when you bend down to tie your daughter’s shoelaces. 3940 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-920-9070; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-5100 [top]
Year of the Ribbon Cutting
This has been the biggest leasing year at the Mall of America since it opened in 1992. With more than 520 stores (!), you’d think MOA already has it all. Nope. The current strategy is to appeal to desperate shoppers who need some fresh stores not currently found here, including H&M, Club Monaco, and Metropark. Also open are Puma, Tommy Bahama, Lucky Brand Jeans, Sigrid Olsen, and Swatch— previously fashion labels only available through department stores. We hear more exciting announcements are to come. [top]
Dream Kitchen Resource
International Market Square is the source for state-of-the-art kitchens. The first floor of this five-story home-and-interiors mecca recently added Poggenpohl and Belle Kitchens to an already stellar mix of show rooms that include Italian manufacturer Valcucine and mainstays Northstar Kitchens, Partners4 Design, and Sawhill Kitchens. Add to that Cambria, Kate-Lo Tile & Stone, Waterworks, and Ceramic Tileworks, and more, and you can park once for an afternoon of shopping, plus lunch and a glass of wine at the D’Amico-run Market Square Bistro. 275 Market St., Mpls., 612-338-6250 [top]
Denim Haven
Jeans are an investment these days, so it’s important to buy the right pair for your budget and your body. Len Druskin stocks the hippest labels—ones you often can’t find elsewhere in town—and the staff knows best how each line works for different figures. Just be warned: They’re brutally honest. Galleria, Edina, 952-927-7923 [top]
Way to Spend $100,000
Interstate 394 isn’t the autostrada, but the recent introduction by Morrie’s Automotive of Maserati (plus its new show room) certainly added a little more Milan to the metro. About thirty-five TC tastemakers have already purchased hand-built Italian Coupes, Spyders, and Quattroportes. Customers choose from three wood grains, ten leather options, twenty-five paint finishes, and many other extras to personalize their ride. And at an average of $125,000 a pop, these cars are sure to stand out in the daily gridlock. Maserati of Minneapolis, Minnetonka, 866-549-8502 [top]
Underwear Collection
Who knew that our own Minnesota Historical Society houses the largest museum collection of undergarments in the country—probably even the world? We have the iconic Munsingwear to thank for putting Minnesota on the unmentionables map. Unfortunately, the underwear is permanently under wraps. The collection of more than 3,500 bras, girdles, boxers, panties, corsets, and other foundations isn’t open to the public because the vintage materials are so susceptible to damage from light, moisture, and temperature. You can get a peek at it, however, at mnhs.org/collections/upclose/munsingwear. [top]
Ideal Wardrobe
Shopping for clothes can be fun—and daunting. Though there are hundreds of stores in the metro, there are truly leaders of the pack. Read on for our top picks categorized for your life-and style. [top]
| Daywear, Professional | Weekend Wear | On-the-Town Funky | Black-Tie Optional |
Sophisticated
Young
Professional Man | Men’s suits, jackets, shirts, and ties with Saks Fifth Avenue sophistication at outlet prices. Off 5th. 655 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-333-7200 | St. Paul’s newest men’s boutique, Wear It, stocks streetwear apparel and accessories by local designers. 1326 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-9327 | Exile on Harmon is the top pick for slim, urban twenty- and thirtysomethings with an eye for chic fashion. 1612 Harmon Place, Mpls., 612-332-2021 | For last-minute guys, Marshall Field’s is the go-to source for after-five apparel that includes Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, and Thomas Pink. |
Sophisticated
Young Professional Woman | H&M is to fashion as Ikea is to the home. It’s our newest one-stop-shop for trend-right basics at entry-level prices. MOA, 952-858-8888 | For unique, locally designed tees, yogawear, casual skirts and dresses, and jewelry, head to the Design Collective. 1311 W. 26th St., Mpls., 612-377-100 | Going out and don’t know what to wear? Pair Ivy’s Tag jeans with any number of its funky tops and you’re done. Calhoun Square, 612-827-2764 | Alfred’s Grand Petit Magasin stocks limited numbers and one-of-a-kinds from designers you can’t find elsewhere in the TC. 4388 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-345-6696 |
Successful Thirty-Something Man
| The high-quality, affordable European-style shirts and ties at Kuhlman complement the sleek suiting and outerwear. Galleria, 952-929-4707; Gaviidae Common, 612-339-6188; Ridgedale, 952-544-0024 | Josi Wert’s selection of jeans, sweaters, and other separates hit that just-cool-enough edge without going over the top. 1300 Lagoon Ave., Mpls., 612-822-0084 | The Bellanotte crowd heads to Neiman Marcus. ’Nuff said. 505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-2600 | Sharp gents head to Nicollet Mall’s Polo Ralph Lauren Store for purple-label investment pieces. 901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-7000 |
| Successful Thirty-Something Woman | Updated, classic European suiting is the draw at United Colors of Benetton. And with just one TC location, the market is never oversaturated with your suit. MOA, 952-853-9921 | The younger set may come here for a special item, but Anthropologie is a casualwear mainstay for this fashion-forward woman. 4999 France. Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-416-1447 | Stephanie Morrissey carries stylish cocktail dresses, separates, and accessories that you’d expect to find at a SoHo boutique. Stephanie’s. 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802 | Exclusive lines and limited quantities, from urban-chic cocktail dress to gala gowns. Plus, Arafina registers your dress for your event. Galleria, Edina, 952-925-1565 |
Stylish Boomer Man
| Department store variety, boutique brands, and stellar service, Nordstrom suits this discriminating man’s needs. MOA, 952-883-2121 | Most of the TC’s best-dressed men over fifty head to Hubert White. 747 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-9200 | Intoto’s urbane labels appeal to discerning fashionistas for whom money is no object. 3105 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-822-2414 | The Alexandre Savile Row boutique brings direct-from-Britain fitted suits, bold colors, crisp shirts, and meticulous detailing for men with impeccable taste. Heck, they even dress Prince Charles. Marshall Field’s, Nicollet Mall, 612-375-2205 |
| Stylish Boomer Woman | Grethen House offers simple and sophisticated looks in luxurious, neutral-toned fabrics. 4928 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725 | Casual, comfortable, and stylish clothing from Bumbershute will take you from Saturday shopping to Sunday brunch. 683 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-475-2684 | It’s less about age and more about attitude at Local Motion Clothing. Find one-of-a-kind party skirts, dresses, and other eclectic separates. 2813 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-871-8436 | When department store designers just won’t do, go couture at Monique Lhuillier. 3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747 |
Architecture
Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron and TC-based architectural firm Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson collaborated to create a stunning building that advances the Walker Art Center’s approach of “integrating and linking ideas, viewpoints, and disciplines by physically interweaving exhibition galleries, performance and event spaces, interactive educational areas, lounges, gardens, and interior and exterior spaces.” The Walker is not only an important local cultural and community leader, it’s one of the top ten most-visited art museums in the country.
“[The Walker] has grown in size, but it has remained the institution it has always been: open, out there, street-level, uncorporate, wise. I only wish it could expand itself all the way to New York.” -Holland Cotter, The New York Times [top]
Phase Two
After successfully converting a warehouse into the Bookmen Lofts, architect James Dayton (who came to the TC after working for Frank Gehry) stepped out of the typical brick box to create an industrial-looking, eight-story condominium called the Bookmen Stacks—a stunning exposed-concrete structure wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass and zinc panels. The Bookmen campus now includes the Stacks, Lofts, and an adjoining courtyard of landscaped green space, and a phase three modernist restaurant is coming. 345 6th Ave. N., North Loop District [top]
New Idea
Leave it to Target to recognize that good design should be found in everyday places—including the medicine cabinet. Target’s new prescription bottle offers larger type, an-easy-to-navigate label, and color coding so family members can more easily identify which bottle is theirs. [top]
New Identity
As more retail shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, businesses—and most importantly, residents—have taken over the century-old buildings in the northwestern quadrant of the Warehouse District, a neighborhood has emerged. To help differentiate the neighb from the area closer to downtown, the North Loop was born. The business association’s name refers to the “north loop” of bygone rail lines that formerly ran through the area. The logo developed by Little & Co. captures the Loop’s essence perfectly. [top]
Recognition
The fantastic renovation of the historical Grain Belt Brewhouse in Northeast Minneapolis is not news. But a recent award from The National Trust for Historic Preservation is. The National Preservation Honor Award recognizes the “efforts of individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations [that] give new meaning to their communities through preservation.” The very collaborative process started with the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department, which saved the 98,000-square-foot building from the wrecking ball and eventually sold it to Ryan Companies. Ryan served as developer of the renovation designed by RSP Architects, the Brewhouse’s largest tenant. Also located on the property are the Pierre Bottineau Community Library and warehouses, now home to galleries, photo studios, and a coffee house. [top]
Urban Dining Renovation
There is no shortage of new restaurants making great statements with artful interiors, but the recently opened Five—which reclaimed the former Minneapolis Police Department 5th Precinct building in the LynLake neighborhood—is a standout. The juxtaposition of cosmopolitan, cutting-edge cuisine and décor located just off the slightly gritty edge of Lake Street is a distinctive and unexpected addition to the urban dining scene. 2917 Bryant Ave. S., Mpls., 612-827-5555 [top]
Progressive Dinners
Grazing is in. Chowing down on one of anything almost seems anachronistic in these heady days of twelve-course tasting menus and amuse-bouches gone wild. Here’s our wish list for our next cuisine crawl. [top]
| Minneapolis | St. Paul | Eat Street | Metro Area |
| Starters | Start with a glass of sangria and a tapas sampler at Solera, being sure to nab some padron peppers whenever they are on the menu. 900 Hennepin Ave., 612-338-0062 | Start with a plate of braised pork in green chilies at El Burrito Mercado, sharing it as an appetizer. 175 Concord St., 651-227-2192 | We recommend starting with the two best dumpling dishes in town: the pan-fried dumplings at Evergreen, 2424 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-871-6801, and the
Sichuan won tons at Rainbow Chinese. 2739 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-7084 | Begin with Scott Irestone’s tuna tartare cones at 20.21 (1750 Hennepin AVe., Mpls., 612-253-3410) and move into the amuse-bouches that Doug Flicker churns out at Auriga. 1930 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-871-0777 |
| First Course | Seth Bixby Daugherty’s seared foie gras at Cosmos, especially his version with the savory French toast that crops up from time to time. 601 1st Ave., N., 612-312-1168 | Next up, a cheeseburger and fries at Casper & Runyon’s Nook. 492 Hamline Ave. S., 651-698-4347 | Then we’d tee up the chicken mole at Salsa a la Salsa. 1420 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-813-1970 | Pair the steamed whole shrimp at Mandarin Kitchen, 8766 Lyndale Ave. S., Bloomington, 952-884-5356, with the Sichuan-style bamboo shoots at the Tea House. 88 Nathan Ln., Plymouth, 763-544-3422 |
| Entree | For dinner, we’d go with whatever daily special is being served at Levain, especially any of Steven Brown’s fish plates—a sauteéd halibut with green apple and licorice was one of the best five things we ate all year, in any city. 4762 Chicago Ave., 612-823-7111 | Our fish course would have to be the sauteéd striped bass at Osteria I Nonni, served with a quick pan sauce of tomatoes, white wine, olives and herbs. 981 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Lilydale, 651-905-1081 | Slurp down a bowl of thin, egg-noodle pho, the masterful #8, brimming with wontons, shrimp, sliced pork, and vegetables at Quang Pastry & Deli. 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739 | Next, split the roasted pressed chicken for two at 112 eatery. 112 N. 3rd St., Mpls., 612-343-7696 |
| Desserts | We have to stick with a Twin City Classic, Vincent Francoual’s 3 Creams, petite portions of pot de creme, creme brulee and creme caramel at Vincent. 1100 Nicollet Mall, 612-630-1189 | For dessert, we’d grab a seasonal tart at Heartland teamed with a flight of local artisanal cheeses. 1806 St. Clair Ave., 651-699-3536 | Our fave is the honey-soaked nut-and-phyllo pastries at Sinbad’s. Baklava, phyllo “cigarettes,” baked goodies, and incredible dried fruits and nuts—it’s a grazer’s delight. 2528 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. 612-871-6505 | Finally, the meringue with seasonal fruit and vaca gelee, or whatever other piece of sweet genius that Adrienne Odom is offering on the dessert menu at Solera. 900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-338-0062 |
Ice Cream Cone
The Izzabella has a lot going for it, most notably
Izzy’s ice cream, which comes in an ever-changing array of flavors and has received “best” awards on a national level. Scoop it into a chocolate-gilded, nut-encrusted, malt-ball-bottomed, handmade waffle cone topped with whipped cream and a cherry. D on’t forget to festoon your cone with the Izzy, a miniscoop of the flavor of your choice.
2034 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, 651-603-1458 [
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Greasy Burger
Wagners Drive-In griddles a handmade patty of freshly ground Black Angus chuck, tops it with fried onions, buns them up, and then returns the whole stack to the griddle for a final warm-up before placing it lovingly into a paper sleeve and rushing it to your car or (picnic) table. The flavor and quality are only outdone by the charm of the drive-up storefront. Closed in winter.
Hwy. 7 and Quebec Ave. S., St. Louis Park, 952-933-1857 [
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Neapolitan-Style Pizza
Punch Neapolitan Pizza is the gold standard. It starts with a risen crust, hand-tossed, topped with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella. There are dozens of toppings from which to choose, all of the highest quality, before the pie is finished in an 800-degree, wood-burning oven.
8353 Crystal View Rd., Eden Prairie, 952-943-9557; 3226 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-929-0006; 704 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-696-1066 [
top]
French Fries
Casper & Runyon’s Nook still serves the best fries in town—hot, crispy, and delectably starchy. 492 Hamline Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-698-4347 For gourmet-fry freaks, the hand-cut beauties at Lurçat, served up in a silver bucket and paired with a piquant béarnaise sauce, still set the bar for spud superstardom. 1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500 [top]
Fried Chicken Wings
Everyone does wings, but most are overseasoned, miscooked, second-rate, frozen, and a day away from the garbage can. Pastor Hamilton serves decent BBQ at his spotless little storefront on St Paul’s industrial north side, but the best-kept secret is his soul-saving, devoutly serious, divinely inspired take on wings. His superfresh, oversized, hand-rubbed beauties are deep-fried until mahogany brown and bursting with the flavor of sweet spices and crispy chicken skin. They’re available to go. Truly the lord’s work. 1150 E. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-772-0279 [top]
Chef without His Own Restaurant
What do the best chefs in town have in common? They were once sous chefs. The fellow to watch these days is Peter Botcher, who is right-hand man to chef-genius Steven Brown. Frequent Levain diners recognize Botcher as the bearded redhead standing next to Brown, helping turn out some of the five-state region’s most wonderful food, including one of the year’s best meals: a nifty roasted boneless squab, stuffed with its own liver—a Botcher creation, according to Brown. 4762 Chicago Ave., Mpls., 612-823-7111 [top]
New Restaurant
Isaac Becker and his wife, Nancy St. Pierre, rearranged the local culinary landscape by opening a small restaurant downtown Minneapolis and offering a deeply personal cooking style. In a world dominated by 200-seat mall restaurants, focus-group-driven eatery concepts, and a risk-adverse dining audience, 112 eatery flew in the face of conventional wisdom and proved that guts, talent, and integrity still matter. At the toughest dinner table in town, you’ll feel like you’re at a restaurant in a city that’s all grown up. Don’t skimp—take advantage of Becker’s smaller offerings and don’t miss the lamb sugo over hand-made stringozzi pasta or the sautéed escarole with anchovies and other unusual side dishes. 112 N. 3rd St., Mpls., 612-343-7696 [top]
Sweet Delivery
Chocolate chip cookies—warm, gooey, Ghiradelli-chocolatey, with a touch of oatmeal crunch—are delivered straight from the Tank family’s oven to your door via Mini Cooper. It’s best to order a day ahead, but if you’re as addicted as we are, you can pick them up yourself at Tank Goodness. Open weekdays; $20 a dozen (two-dozen minimum for delivery). PS: The Tanks have added cinnamon rolls too (a.m. only, one-dozen minimum). 3002 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-824-8265 [top]
Bakery (Reason To Enjoy a Carboholic Relapse)
Our town has been blessed with several great bakeries, but Rustica is second to none. From its faultless baguette to a focaccia with none of the cakey textural handicaps that plague this loaf at other places, every day brings a great regular menu, and a specialty bread selection. The Cañadas de Azucar, a Sunday and Wednesday sweet bread, and the Friday challah are both worth the trip, but the best may be the daily miche, a dense country loaf. Try the Danish pastries and frangipani tarts when available, and if you see a chocolate tartelette in the pastry case, jump on it. 816 W. 46th St., Mpls., 612-822-1119 [top]
Cupcake
Two years ago, Franklin Street Bakery wooed Michelle Gayer-Nicholson away from Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. Today she still reigns as the preeminent pastry queen. Her focaccia and tartelettes are world class, but her penultimate creations are cupcakes. The magic moment arrives when you bite through her tiny treats and discover hidden confectionaries stuffed in the middle. Chocolate truffle plays peek-a-boo inside devil’s food, and you can’t help but giggle with happiness when you unveil the cylinder of caramelized, roasted pineapple in the center of the gorgeous coconut-cream cupcakes, showered in toasted coconut curls. 1020 Franklin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-879-5730 [top]
Skyway Lunch
Pondering the eternal question of where to eat in the skyway? Zen Box is the answer. Lina Goh and John Ng’s postage-stamp–sized eatery serves restaurant-quality Japanese entrées, salads, and nibbles at fast-food prices. The tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), kara-age (Japanese-style fried chicken), and grilled short ribs are the best of the bunch. Entrées come with white rice and paper-thin slices of cabbage tossed in a ginger dressing. Small plates of onigiri (salmon, rice, and nori), sushi, edamame, and miso soup round out the offerings. 607 Marquette Ave., Mpls., 612-341-3313 [top]
Sandwich
Sure, it’s got problems holding together, the pastrami should be cut thinner, and you should be able to combine meats in the same sandwich, but whose complaining? Oy vey. The best sandwich in town is the pastrami on rye at Louie’s Habit, no contest. 1179-A Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, 952-249-7700 [top]
Walleye
There is still no comparison to the lakefront freshness and flavor of Shuang Cheng’s steamed walleye, served whole and sparingly drizzled with aged soy sauce before being showered with a cascade of scallion and ginger needles. 1320 SE 4th St., Mpls., 612-378-0208 [top]
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